Saudi Arabia intercepts missiles and drones as fighting with Houthis rages

Live updates

1. 56m ago

   Saudi Arabia Intercepts Missiles and Drones Amid Houthi Fighting

   Saudi air defences intercepted a barrage of missiles and drones launched by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeting Riyadh, southern regions, and an area near Mecca. The escalating cross-border conflict prompted Saudi Aramco to order staff to evacuate its headquarters in Dhahran as clashes intensified. The Saudi-led coalition responded by destroying Houthi missile facilities and launchers in Sanaa. While the coalition reports successful interceptions, falling debris caused two injuries in the kingdom's south, and airport strikes in Dammam resulted in two deaths. The renewed attacks have heightened global energy supply risks and driven market volatility.

   Why it matters

   The intense exchange of aerial attacks marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Saudi-led forces and the Houthi movement in Yemen. The targeting of vital energy infrastructure, including oil sites and Aramco facilities, directly threatens global petroleum supplies and key transportation hubs. These developments unfold amid concurrent diplomatic talks involving regional states and Iran, highlighting the tense interplay between ongoing military hostilities and diplomatic efforts.

   What is confirmed

   • The Saudi-led coalition intercepted a drone and a missile launched toward Riyadh alongside 10 missiles targeting the southern region.
   • Saudi Civil Defence reported that the interception of Houthi ballistic missiles caused two injuries in the country's south.
   • Airport strikes in Dammam killed two people as clashes escalated.
   • The coalition destroyed Houthi missile facilities and launchers in Sanaa following the foiled attacks.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Houthis claimed attacks on Riyadh airport, a Saudi naval base, an airbase, and East-West oil pumping stations.
   • Saudi Aramco told staff to evacuate Dhahran as clashes continued.

   What to watch next

   • Assessments of damage to Saudi energy infrastructure and potential impacts on oil output.
   • Further statements from the Saudi-led coalition regarding retaliatory military operations in Yemen.
   • Developments in regional diplomatic talks involving Mecca pact states and Iran.
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. www.gulf-times.com — Saudi Aramco tells staff to evacuate Dhahran as clashes with ...
   2. www.aljazeera.com — Saudi Arabia intercepts missiles and drones as fighting with ...
   3. www.cnbc.com — Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missiles, drones - CNBC
   4. www.thenationalnews.com — Saudi Arabia intercepts barrage of Houthi missiles and drones
   5. Al Jazeera — Saudi Arabia intercepts missiles and drones as fighting with Houthis rages
   6. CNBC — Saudi Arabia says it intercepted missiles and drones from Iran-backed Houthis
   7. Al Jazeera — Saudi air defences intercept Houthi barrage near Mecca
   8. KSL — Houthis say they targeted Saudi oil sites; attacks reported in Aden
   9. The Times of Israel — Houthis say they targeted Riyadh airport, Saudi naval base, airbase
   10. Reuters — Houthis say they attacked East-West oil pumping stations; No Saudi confirmation
   11. Arab News — Coalition destroys Houthi missile launchers in Sanaa after foiled attack on Riyadh
   12. The Hill — Saudi-led coalition says it has destroyed Yemeni rebels’ missile facilities, and other Mideast news
   confidence 95%